St. Mel Elementary School

I absolutely love my school! Going to St. Mel is the by far, the best choice I have ever made in my entire life! I went to the preschool, and all the way from kindergarden through 8th grade. Now that I'm in 8th Grade, I am very sad to leave it. So many fond memories.... I love St. Mel for numerous reasons: -the teachers -the students -extra-cirricular activities (drama, volleyball, basketball, soccer, football, music theatre, golf, student council, academic decathlon, and much MUCH more) -the parents of the students -sense of community -the staff (principal, vice principal, office staff) -technology (We have a computer lab and iPad 2's for each individual student) -Of course we have science, social studies, english, math, etc. - but we also have religion, music, art, and Spanish I and Spanish II -the enthusiasm for learning -we go to mass once a week during school and learn all about our faith -they have certain programs for struggling or advanced children St. Mel is awesome, and if there is any school you want to send you child to - it is this one! :) (Note: This is by an actual current 8th grade student at St. Mel)

I have never seen a school's teachers so dedicated to the students as St. Mel's School of Woodland Hills, California. Also, the school is technologically advanced and innovated, using IPads for all students starting with the 2011 school year, and allowing instantaneous access to student grades by parents through EdLine. The school as excellent teachers, strong leadership by the principal, Mary Beth Lutz, and challenging academic programs. It also has a strong Catholic identity, providing for a strong foundation in Catholic theology.

I went to school at St. Mel and my 2 daughters have gone there too. The school has Smart Boards in every classroom, (you wont find that in any other school in the valley) The teachers and staff are dedicated, but the MOST Important thing is that the school reinforces VALUES!!! Here is a very simple test. Walk on the St. Mel campus and any public school campus and you can HEAR the difference!! The language used by the children on the playground is like NIGHT & DAY.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Mel Elementary is the school of choice. As a father, this school is the best for my daughters...It is enriched in extra curricular activities, such as theatre, music, art and sports...keeping them focused on what is important...you cannot afford a better school for your money...the academics are great. Teachers are wonderful.
--Submitted by a parent

Both my children attended the St. Mel Preschool and are at St. Mel Elementary in 2nd and 5th grade..The academic program is challenging and rewarding...on my drives to and from school I have learned more about science, math and social studies that I can recall every getting when I went to school. The 5th grade reading program has given my child great exposure to books I would otherwise overlook by going to the library or going to the bookstore. My children have been active in the music, art, musical theatre and sports programs at St. Mel. Teachers are A+. I HIGHLY recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Mel academic program is both challenging and rewarding. My children are both active in the music, art, musical theatre and sport programs at St. I have learned more about science, social studies and math on my drives to and from school than I can remember learning when I went to school. The reading program in 5th grade has exposed my child to books I would have otherwise overlooked by going to the library or bookstore. The teachers are A+.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Mel has a great academic program that challenges both of my children. The children at the school are bright and well mannered. The school offers music, art, theater and sports. The community is close and social and we are always busy. The teachers are caring and easy to approach - and the parents can be very involved in the school if they choose to be -and in the classrooms - especially in Kinder and 1st. I highly recommend the school.
--Submitted by a parent

St mel does have wonderful teachers, and students. So why the low rating. One because of the class size. There are over 30 students in each class in each grade. That's a lot of kids for one teacher, and a teachers aid. Also, they give way to much school work/ homework. There are a lot of nights that my daughter is doing home work until 8:30pm or longer, and it's not because she doesn't get it either. There are kids who stay uo till 10pm. Why because they have homework and have to study for test. She's in 4th grade and has six test this week. That's crazy. Two tests on wed., two test on thurs., and two tests on fri. They do have a great community, and loving staff, but the overload of work is too much.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has the nicest teachers. The children seem well mannered and happy. Fun place.
--Submitted by a parent

I would not send my son any where else. He has been there for 3 years now. All his teachers and assistant teachers have been wonderful. I especially like the way they are tough on 'bad' kids.
--Submitted by a parent